Apr 18, 2023

Who really owns Dior? - How does the luxury brand make money?

Business Model Innovation
Research
by Stefan Lemmerer

A Brief History of Dior

Dior was founded in 1946 by the French fashion designer Christian Dior. The brand quickly gained fame for its elegant and feminine designs, and became synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Today, Dior is part of the LVMH group, which is one of the world's largest luxury goods conglomerates.

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The LVMH Group

LVMH, which stands for Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, is a French multinational corporation that specializes in luxury goods. The group was formed in 1987 through the merger of the fashion house Louis Vuitton with the champagne and spirits company Moët Hennessy. Today, LVMH owns a portfolio of over 70 luxury brands, including Dior.

The Arnault Family

The Arnault family is one of the wealthiest families in the world, and they have a significant stake in LVMH. The family's patriarch, Bernard Arnault, is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, and is one of the richest people in the world. The Arnault family owns around 46% of LVMH, giving them a controlling stake in the company.

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Bernard Arnault

Dior's Ownership Structure

The Christian Dior group was founded in 1985 by Christian Dior's family, in order to protect the family's legacy and control over the Dior brand. The group owns 41% of the shares in Dior, which gives them a significant say in the direction of the brand. The Christian Dior group is chaired by Bernard Arnault, and includes members of the Dior family as well as representatives from LVMH.

Implications of Dior's Ownership Structure

Dior's ownership structure has several implications for the brand. Firstly, it means that the Christian Dior group has a significant say in the direction of the brand, despite the fact that LVMH is the majority owner. This can be seen in the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as Dior's creative director in 2016, which was approved by the Christian Dior group. Secondly, it means that Dior has access to the resources and expertise of the wider LVMH group, which can help to fuel the brand's growth and innovation.

Another implication of Dior's ownership structure is the potential for conflict between the Christian Dior group and LVMH. In 2018, LVMH attempted to buy out the minority shareholders of the Christian Dior group, in order to gain full control over the Dior brand. This move was opposed by some members of the Dior family, who argued that it would dilute their control over the brand. Eventually, a compromise was reached, with LVMH agreeing to buy out some of the minority shareholders, while the Dior family retained a significant stake in the brand.

In conclusion, Dior is owned by the LVMH group, which is controlled by the Arnault family. However, Dior also has its own separate ownership structure, with the Christian Dior group owning a significant stake in the brand. This ownership structure has implications for the direction and growth of the brand, and highlights the complex nature of ownership in the luxury fashion industry. Despite its complex ownership structure, Dior remains one of the world's most

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LVMH Brands ®MARKET SPIDER 2021

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How Does Dior Make Money?

A Look at the Business Model of a Luxury Fashion Brand.

Introduction to Dior's Business Model

Dior operates in the luxury fashion industry, which is characterized by high-end products and premium pricing. The brand's business model revolves around creating high-quality, exclusive products that appeal to a wealthy and discerning customer base. Dior's revenue streams include product sales, licensing agreements, and investments.

Product Sales

Product sales are the primary revenue stream for Dior. The brand offers a range of products, including haute couture, ready-to-wear fashion, leather goods, accessories, and fragrances. These products are sold through a network of Dior-owned stores, as well as through authorized retailers and e-commerce platforms.

Haute Couture

Haute couture is the most exclusive and high-end product category for Dior. Haute couture garments are custom-made for individual clients, and are often created with the use of expensive materials and intricate craftsmanship. Dior's haute couture collections are showcased at fashion shows and events, and are often featured in high-end fashion publications.

Ready-to-Wear Fashion

Ready-to-wear fashion is a more accessible product category for Dior, but it still commands premium pricing. Dior's ready-to-wear collections are designed to appeal to a wider customer base, while still maintaining the brand's signature style and quality. These collections are sold through Dior-owned stores and authorized retailers.

Leather Goods and Accessories

Leather goods and accessories are another important product category for Dior. The brand offers a range of bags, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories, all designed to complement its fashion collections. These products are sold through Dior-owned stores and authorized retailers.

Fragrances

Fragrances are a major revenue stream for Dior. The brand is known for its iconic fragrances, including Miss Dior and J'adore, which are sold globally. Dior also offers a range of limited edition fragrances and perfumes, which are often created in collaboration with high-profile celebrities and designers.

Licensing Agreements

Dior also generates revenue through licensing agreements. These agreements allow third-party companies to use the Dior brand name and logo on a range of products, such as eyewear, watches, and cosmetics. Dior receives royalties from these licensing agreements, which can be a lucrative source of income.

Investments


Finally, Dior also generates revenue through investments. The brand's parent company, LVMH, invests in a range of companies and assets, including real estate, hotels, and other luxury brands. These investments can provide a steady stream of income for Dior, which is a subsidiary of LVMH.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dior generates revenue through a range of channels, including product sales, licensing agreements, and investments. The brand's primary revenue stream is product sales, which includes haute couture, ready-to-wear fashion, leather goods, accessories, and fragrances. Licensing agreements and investments also provide a significant source of income for Dior, which operates within the luxury fashion industry and targets a wealthy and discerning customer base.

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